Photo: Francisco Farriols SarabiaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Grape Ivy Plant Care
Cissus rhombifolia Vahl
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, glossy, diamond-shaped green leaves, this plant originates from tropical regions of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique foliage and ability to grow well indoors, making it a popular choice for urban jungle enthusiasts looking to add a touch of exotic flair to their homes.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Grape Ivy?
Water Grape Ivy every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Where Is the Grape Ivy Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Grape Ivy?
Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) belongs to the Vitaceae family within the Cissus genus. Grape Ivy is native to the tropical Americas. Grape Ivy is also known as Oak Leaf Ivy.
Grape Ivy displays a vining, climbing plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Grape Ivy produces small, inconspicuous flowers.
How Often Should You Water a Grape Ivy?
Cissus rhombifolia requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Grape Ivy Need?
Grape Ivy thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Grape Ivy in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Grape Ivy Prefer?
Cissus rhombifolia grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Grape Ivy prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Grape Ivy?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Grape Ivy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Grape Ivy?
Feed Grape Ivy every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Grape Ivy?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Grape Ivy?
Grape Ivy can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kangaroo vine plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Grape Ivy Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Non-toxic to humans and pets
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Grape Ivy?
Grape Ivy is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Grape Ivy Need?
Grape Ivy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Grape Ivy is native to the tropical Americas. In cooler regions, grow Grape Ivy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Grape Ivy is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cissus genus — compare its care with other Cissus species on PlantoScan.
Cissus is part of the Vitaceae plant family — browse all Vitaceae genera and species.
Grape Ivy thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cissus rhombifolia Vahl, family Vitaceae (first published in Eclog. Amer. 2: 10 (1798)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Grape Ivy as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Francisco Farriols Sarabia, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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